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The Puppy has arrived

The first weeks of life together will set the pattern for your pup’s behaviour in futureyears and lay the foundation for the relationship between you and your pup. In order toavoid problems of miscommunication and misunderstanding it is important to

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appreciate that:

Dogs are not the same as human beings. Although many of their emotions may besimilar and they are thinking beings, these emotions will differ from those of theirowners. Dogs are dogs and people are people.

But equally:

Dogs are not devoid of feeling and understanding.

Your puppy is a living creature with a range of behavioural needs of its own and uniquecommunication methods, which differ from ours.

Canine communication involves all of the senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing andtouch). Dogs use a combination of instinctive behaviours and more complex learnedresponses in order to get their message across.

The way your puppy reacts and adapts to its new surroundings will be unique to yourpup. Its behaviour will have been moulded by a combination of factors including geneticinfluences from its parents, early environmental influences and early social interactionwith other dogs and other species and what it has learnt from these experiences.

Social behaviour

When your puppy arrives in your home it may be the first time that it has been separatedfrom its mother and littermates. Until now its mother will have been the most importantfigure in the puppy’s life and when it enters your family it will need to form newattachments and social bonds.

Young puppies will transfer the attachment they’ve had with their mother onto newfamily members who can provide its essential needs for food, warmth and comfort.

In some cases the new puppy will appear to form a particularly close bond withindividual family members. The puppy will value the family as a source of comfort, andwith the security of a reliable relationship as a foundation, the puppy is able to set off onits voyage of discovery in a human orientated world.

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Although a strong bond between puppy and owner is beneficial in the early stages, therecomes a time when the puppy needs to develop its own independence. Loosening thebond may be difficult for both pup and owner at first, but you need to remember thatthis is a vital part of your puppy’s development. Decreasing the level of attachment doesnot involve ceasing all affectionate interaction and you can still have a great relationshipwith your puppy. As your puppy grows it will need to spend increasing periods of timewithout human company. This can be done by slowly introducing the puppy to ‘quiettime’ where the puppy is rewarded for lying quietly on its mat or in its crate. The periodof time that the puppy can spend by itself is very slowly increased, always workingwithin the puppy’s capabilities and needs. If this process is completed successfully,your puppy will learn that social interaction is not always available and this will enablethem to cope with the periods of solitude that are associated with being a domestic pet(e.g. times when you go to work etc). Some puppies may remain dependent on theirowner for all their social needs and may develop behavioural problems such asseparation anxiety, when they are left alone. There may be a genetic predisposition forsome breeds or individuals that find it more difficult to adapt to being alone comparedwith other breeds.

Destruction, howling and toileting in inappropriate places are common signs ofseparation anxiety and while the condition is well-recognised and may be manageable, itis far better to try to prevent it in the first place.

Importance of play

Play is an important part of development as it provides opportunities for mental as wellas physical stimulation, helping to reduce the chance of problematic behavioursdeveloping as well as keeping dogs cognitively fit for longer. Dogs should be offeredsafe toys to play with and these should be changed on a regular basis to providenovelty. Be sure to check all toys on a regular basis for any damage and remove thembefore they can harm your puppy.

Puppies should also have lots of opportunities to play with you but remember not to useyour hands or feet as toys. Playing games like hide and seek, chasing or retrieving a ballor frisbee can be a great way to exercise your pup’s mind and body and helps to keepyou fit as well.

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Lessons to learn 

House-training

Very few puppies are fully house-trained when they enter their new home and mostowners are prepared for a period of extra cleaning when they take on a young pup.However, in many cases the process of house-training may take longer than expectedand as a result there can be considerable tension between pup and owner. Rememberthat many puppies may not develop full bladder control until they are around 5 to 6months old.

By following a few simple rules and avoiding some common mistakes, you canmaximise your chances of success and make the whole house-training process far lessstressful for you and your puppy.

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Spot the right moment

It is important for your puppy to be in the location in which you want it to toilet when itfeels the need to relieve itself. If you take your puppy outside when it is most likely towant to go to the toilet (after every meal, when it wakes up, after drinking and after play)you maximise the chances of it forming an appropriate association between being in theright spot and relieving itself. Every time your puppy makes a mistake and goes to thetoilet in the house it learns an inappropriate association and the process of house-training is slowed down. Although it may sound drastic, setting an alarm for intervals oftwo hours during the day and night and taking your puppy outside to the same area on aregular basis can be one of the quickest and simplest ways of house training.

Reward works better than punishment!

If you are right next to your young puppy when it is outside (or the designated spot onthe balcony for apartment dwellers), you can give some form of reward to coincide withthe process of toileting and thereby encourage your puppy to see toileting in theappropriate place as a good thing to do! Quiet praise or food can be used but it is veryimportant that the reward is given immediately after the puppy finishes toileting (i.e.within 1/2 second) and not once the puppy is safely back in the house. It is importantnot to punish the puppy if it toilets in the wrong place – just clean it up quickly with anenzymatic washing powder. Punishment may just lead to confusion and anxiety in yourpuppy and increase the time taken to toilet train it.

Walking on a lead

Puppies do not inherently know how to walk on a lead and it is important to introduceyour new arrival to a collar and lead as soon as possible.

At first, put the collar on your puppy for a few days, and let it get used to this withoutyou attempting to take the puppy for a walk. You may find that your puppy will scratchat the collar at first and this is just a normal part of getting used to something aroundits neck.

You should be able to slip at least two to three fingers comfortably between the collarand your puppy’s neck.

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Then attach a very light lead to the collar for just a few minutes at a time, several timesa day for a few days so that your puppy gets used to the lead before you attempt to takeyour pup for a walk.

Make sure the clip is not too big or heavy for a young puppy.

Do not pull on the lead to get your puppy to move – just get your pup’s attention byclicking your tongue, or talking to it. As soon as your pup follows the direction of thelead, reward it with a small food reward and verbal praise. Don’t worry if your puppy onlytakes a few steps on the first occasion, small steps are the best way to begin.Remember you are teaching your dog to walk nicely on a loose lead, not to heel.

Once the puppy is happy to walk with you on its lead you should encourage it to makeregular eye contact with you by making interesting little noises, providing treats andpraise to get its attention. In this way, the dog is encouraged to be in communicationwith you during walks.

The lead is a very important communication channel between the dog and owner andany tension and frustration you feel may easily be transmitted down the lead. Manyproblems, such as aggression towards other dogs, may be made worse by this negativecommunication. Try to be as calm as possible and in a positive frame of mind whencommunicating with your dog whilst it is on the lead.

Remember as the puppy grows you will need to buy a bigger collar so that it always fitscorrectly. You may need a stronger lead too.

Obedience training – training good manners

There is a lot to learn about puppy training and it is wise to seek expert advice regardingtraining for your new pup. There are many different puppy classes, obedience trainingprograms and dog and kennel clubs who offer different levels of training and classes.Ask your veterinarian or Delta Society Canine Good Citizen Trainer for guidance toestablish a training program suitable for you and your new puppy. The main aim is toteach your puppy good manners so that it knows how to behave with your family and inthe community.

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In addition to specific training, puppies also need to learn how to control their ownbehaviour and limit potential injury to others. Part of this process involves learning thatthe use of teeth and nails are not acceptable when interacting with owners and otherpets, and it is therefore important not to encourage their use during play. Play should bedirected to appropriate toys instead.

The most important thing to focus on is to teach your puppy to be calm and settled.This means rewarding your puppy with quiet praise whenever it is lying quietly.

Taking your dog out

Puppies need to be taken out and about in the world in which they are to live as soon aspossible to maximise the processes of socialisation and habituation, and to teach themto accept diversity and challenges in their world. Whilst it is obviously important to takeall the necessary precautions to reduce exposure of your puppy to risks such asinfectious diseases, traffic, etc; it is sensible to take it out on trips away from home assoon as possible. Places that have been soiled by animals should be avoided, as shouldcontact with unvaccinated animals.

The risks of isolating your puppy at a young age are just as serious as those posed bytaking them on small outings. To keep risk to a minimum you can carry your puppy inyour arms and only let it meet dogs that are of good health and vaccination status. If indoubt about any potential risks, discuss them with your veterinarian.

Once the vaccination process is complete there is no limit to the variety of experiencesthat you can offer your puppy but remember that young animals have a requirement forfrequent sleep!

Failing to take your puppy out into the world will put it at risk of developing a number ofbehavioural problems later in life, including fear of places, people and animals. Many ofthese dogs may go on to develop aggressive behaviour. Aggression is often due to fearor anxiety, and dogs that have little or no experience with the outside world may seepeople, places and other dogs as potential threats. This means they will often reactaggressively in order to protect themselves from the threats that they perceive in theirenvironment. Trying to prevent these sorts of problems is the responsibility of newowners and early socialisation with people and other animals and habituation to noises

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and places is a great way to minimise potential problems from developing.

It is not uncommon for puppies to show some degree of fear or apprehension whenthey encounter people and places for the first time. It is very important that you react ina positive manner and you can try to use play as a form of distraction.

If the fearful behaviour continues then seek advice from your veterinary practice. Yourveterinarian may refer you to a veterinary behaviourist if necessary. Treatment will bemuch more effective if started early. Do not think that the problem will get better withtime – it may not. Puppies do not ‘grow out’ of problem behaviours without help.

Group dynamics

Dogs live in groups or ‘families’ in the wild. To help them feel secure within your familyyou need to give them clear and consistent rules so they understand how they fit intoyour group.

The most important thing to remember when interacting with your puppy isconsistency. Everyone within the family needs to treat the dog in the same way andthereby reinforce the rules that you have set.

It is important to remember the significance of activities such as eating and sleepingwhen determining how the puppy best fits into your family. Try not to give human foodfrom the table or from your plate as a puppy’s nutritional needs are different from ourown. Train your puppy to sleep in a crate and give the pup its own bed. This allows thepuppy to have a safe place of its own. Any rules you set for your puppy (for example –no tidbits from the table) should be reinforced by all family members in order to avoidany potential confusion for your puppy.

Behavioural problems are a common reason for breakdowns in the pet ownerrelationship and you can help to prevent these problems by remembering that yourpuppy is not a person! You are in the best position to prevent problem behaviours andnow is the time to start.

Bringing up a puppy can be a challenge as well as an adventure; but if you respect yourpup’s natural behaviour as well as its individual personality you can learn to understand

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the world from a canine perspective and enjoy years of rewarding companionship withyour happy and faithful friend.

If you experience any problems with your pet’s behaviour or consider its reactions to beinappropriate, very annoying or even dangerous do not hesitate to seek advice fromyour veterinary practice.

Responsible pet ownership

Things to consider:

Behaviour and trainingMistakes in your puppy’s education may lead to long-term behavioural problems.

FeedingAdapting the feeding program as your puppy grows helps to prevent developmentalgrowth problems, particularly important in large breed dogs.

DentitionAs your puppy ages the deciduous teeth (milk teeth) will fall out. Any remaining milkteeth need to be removed to prevent long-term damage to the permanent teeth.

PubertyGenerally, between 6 and 12 months your puppy will go through puberty. Desexing of

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both dogs and bitches at an early age may reduce their chance of having certain typesof cancers later in life (i.e. mammary, testicular). Discuss the advantages anddisadvantages of desexing with your veterinarian.

VaccinationsVaccinations generally start around 6 to 8 weeks of age. An initial puppy course needsto be completed (usually by around 16 weeks of age) and then booster vaccinationsneed to be given for ongoing protection. You can download the FREE FRONTLINE PET CHECK app to create a complete profile ofyour pet, including its vaccination schedule.

Micro-chippingMicro-chipping is generally done at an early age, your pup may already be micro-chippedwhen you acquire them (remember to update changes such as new owner details andchanges of address as soon as possible). Ask your veterinarian for further details regarding micro-chipping at your puppy’s firstcheck-up.

External parasitesControl fleas and ticks with FRONTLINE PLUS, FRONTLINE SPRAY or NEXGARD.

Internal parasites – wormingRegular treatment to prevent heartworm disease with Milbemax or ProHeart SR12injections and intestinal worm infections using ENDOGARD or PARAGARD.

Maintaining health and wellbeing: Extra special care

The grooming routine

If you have a long or medium-haired dog, daily brushing is recommended(e.g. Yorkshire Terrier, Collie or Golden Retriever), twice weekly brushing for woolly ortough fur (e.g. Poodle or Airedale), and regular brushing for short-haired dogs(e.g. Dachshund or Boxer). Talk to your dog during grooming, and finish up with areward.

The pedicure

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If your dog spends more time walking on carpet and grass than on hard floors orconcrete, teach them to give you their paw to have their nails cut. Your veterinarian canadvise you on the appropriate method, and how much to trim off.

The facial

When you find mucous in the corner of your dog’s eyes, or even a slight watering,remove it with a clean cloth soaked in warm water. Gently wipe the mucus, in adownward direction, away from the eye. In case of blood-shot eyes or persistentwatering, consult your veterinarian without delay.

The ear canal

Gently check your dog’s ear flaps and ear canal openings for any scabs / discharge /odours. So long as your dog’s ears are clean and odourless, leave them well alone.Some dogs have too many hairs in their ears, and gentle removal may be required(discuss with your veterinarian). Sometimes puppies can have black or dark brownearwax, causing them to shake and scratch their head. Seek veterinary advice if there isanything unusual about the appearance or smell of your pet’s ears.

Dental care

Tartar, a build up of mineral salts contained in the saliva, all too quickly forms dentalplaque on the teeth, especially in certain small breeds. Use a soft tooth-brush or specialfinger-brush and clean the teeth with a special dogs’ toothpaste. It’s the one way toensure healthy adult teeth that will last, with sweeter breath and better overall health.When tartar is allowed to build up, gum disease and tooth decay are at risk ofdeveloping. De-scaling by ultrasound under anaesthetic is the best solution, a procedurecarried out by veterinary surgeons. Your veterinarian can also advise of the best way tolook after your pet’s teeth including giving advice on special dental treats or rinses toreduce the risk of dental disease in your dog.

The bath

Generally speaking, you need warm water and a mild pet shampoo. First wash and rinseyour dog thoroughly, then dry your dog completely (towels and hair-dryer).

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Note – Shampoos for humans are not recommended for dogs – consult yourveterinarian for advice on shampoos suitable for dogs.

Your veterinarian will advise which products are required in the case of specific skinproblems, such as greasy skin, skin infections or allergies. Also speak to yourveterinarian about the frequency of washing as dog breed and skin type will vary therecommended time between washes.

 

Our Veterinary Services

Where are we?

We are located on the corner of Glen Osmond Road and Fisher Street in Fullarton.Parking is available at the front of our clinic for your convenience.

Cat Vaccinations Dog Vaccinations Desexing Microchip Holistic

Behaviour Worms & Fleas Soft tissue Surgeries

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308 Glen Osmond Rd308 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton SA5063, Australia

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